By Olivia Condous
Bacchus Marsh bankers will be having a cosy PJ day this month to raise funds for children in need.
The Pyjama Foundation is running the annual national Pyjama Day on July 22, with Bacchus Marsh Commonwealth Bank employees supporting the cause by wearing pyjamas to work.
The aim of the day is to raise awareness of the struggles that children in foster care face and gather funds to support the Pyjama Foundation’s Love of Learning Program, which assists vulnerable children with their literacy and numeracy skills.
The program provides foster children with volunteer mentors called Pyjama Angels, who help with learning, life skills and confidence.
Commonwealth Bank central Victoria relieving branch manager Marg Milani became passionate about getting the organisation involved when she became aware of the increase in the number of children going into foster care within her community.
“It’s about creating that community awareness around something that people don’t like to talk about,” Ms Milani said.
She originally worked in Queensland, promoting the event to Commonwealth Bank branches and other local businesses and is determined to encourage Victorian businesses to get on board too.
“It’s all about just having a fun day and raising awareness of a massive need that unfortunately is growing in our community,” Ms Milani said.
“If a group of people can wear pyjamas to work to raise money, why wouldn’t you do that? It’s such a fun day.”
